Catalina Museum for Art & History has a new exhibition,  Catalina Clay: Unveiling the Island’s Artistic Heritage, a historic look at the artistry of the Catalina Clay Products Company.  Now on view through January 4, 2026, the exhibit highlights the ceramics that transformed Catalina Island’s cultural landscape during the 1920s through the 1940s.

Founded in the early 1920s by William Wrigley Jr. and David M. Renton, the Catalina Clay Products Company began as an effort to use local clay deposits for building materials. By the late 1920s, the company pivoted to ceramic production, creating highly sought-after pieces that combined traditional techniques with modern influences, some of which made it to the mainland.

The historic Wrigley Catalina tile fountain on Crescent Ave. that flows with salt water to conserve the island’s limited fresh water and its square dotted with tiles is one of the first things that greets visitors as they disembark from the Catalina Express or dock their boats in the harbor. 

The exhibition places Catalina pottery within the broader context of California’s artistic renaissance during the Great Depression. At a time when bold, decorative pottery became a national trend, Catalina Clay Products Company stood out for its ability to blend locally sourced materials with new designs and vibrant glazes like Catalina Blue, Toyon Red, and Descanso Green. The ceramics brought beauty into everyday life, reflecting the glamour of California’s Spanish Revival architecture and Hollywood style.

The collection features vibrant tiles, elegant vases, and novelty items that showcase the company’s artistic and functional contributions to the island. Iconic pieces include ceramics that adorned the Avalon Theatre and Catalina Casino, where decorative tiles added color and sophistication to architectural landmarks.

“Catalina Clay showcases the artistry and craftsmanship that made Catalina pottery so extraordinary,”  Sheila Bergman, Executive Director of CatalinaMuseum for Art & History says in a press release. “With its striking colors and innovative designs, these ceramics infused everyday objects with vibrancy and style that defined an era. This exhibition brings to life the creative spirit of the Catalina Clay Products Company, celebrating a legacy of design that remains as captivating today as it was nearly a century ago.”

For more information about Catalina Clay: Unveiling the Island’s Artistic Heritage, visit CatalinaMuseum.org.